Marine Joystick Steering Modes for Reverse Thrust Yaw Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine propulsion systems lack the ability to accommodate different user preferences for steering direction responses to joystick inputs, particularly in relation to yaw movement with reverse thrust commands.

Innovation Solution

A joystick control system and method that allows users to select between two steering response modes: one mimicking a mechanical steering wheel response and another aligning with the joystick's rotational direction, with the system determining steering directions based on user input and vessel conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single steering response mode is implemented in the joystick control system, then the control logic is simple, but the system cannot accommodate different user preferences for steering direction responses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering response mode selectionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically switches between two different steering response modes (first mode and second mode) based on user selection. The system adapts its steering direction logic depending on which mode is active, allowing the same physical joystick rotation to produce different steering outcomes based on operational context and user preference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The joystick control system is designed to perform multiple steering response functions within a single device. It can operate in a first mode where joystick rotation produces one type of steering direction, and in a second mode where the same joystick rotation produces a different steering direction, thereby accommodating different user preferences and operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the steering direction is fixed based on joystick rotation direction, then the control logic is straightforward, but the system lacks flexibility for different operational scenarios such as reverse thrust commands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering direction flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The steering direction logic dynamically adapts based on the operational mode and thrust direction. When in reverse thrust mode, the system automatically adjusts which steering mode is active, so that joystick rotation produces the appropriate steering direction for that operational context. This allows the system to handle different scenarios (forward vs. reverse thrust) with appropriate steering responses without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250382045A1Joystick systems and methods for marine propulsion systems

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 BRUNSWICK CORP

AI summary

A marine propulsion system for a marine vessel includes at least one rear marine drive configured to be positioned near a stern of the marine vessel, a joystick comprising a joystick handle configured to be movable by a user to provide steering demand input, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive a selection input selecting one of two steering response modes for the joystick, wherein each of the two steering response modes yields a different steering direction in response to select rotation inputs of the joystick handle. The control system determines a steering direction to steer the at least one rear marine drive based on the rotation input and the selected steering response mode and controls a steering actuator to steer the rear marine drive in the steering direction.